NeBIO 9(2): Jadhav et al

First report on presence and status of introduced invasive species Red-eared Slider, Trachemys scripta elegans in Goa, India

Trupti Jadhav, Nitin Sawant and Soorambail K Shyama

ABSTRACT

State wide survey was conducted in the geographical region of Goa, India from June 2012­­­­­­­­–December 2015 to assess the diversity of freshwater turtles in Goa. During the survey the presence of Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), an invasive species of freshwater turtle was recorded for the first time in the geographical province of Goa. The import of this invasive species Trahemys scripta elegans to Goa and the subsequent illegal introduction of species in nature are examined. This study emphasizes on the need for further investigation as the presence of an invasive species is of greatest concern especially its impact on the native species needs to be investigated.